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Soldiers and Soulmates #4
To Save a Love
Both wronged by their fathers... two damaged souls longing for love and salvation...
Childhood sweethearts Desmond Bretton and Anna Browning defy their powerful fathers and elope to Gretna Green when Anna is told she will marry a viscount old enough to be her grandfather. Caught before they cross the Scottish border, Dez is shipped off to the army, where he learns of Anna’s suicide. Though a dozen years pass, Dez still loves the girl who always held his heart.
Though everyone is told Anna died, her father places his daughter in a madhouse to punish her for her rebellious behavior. Anna retreats inside herself to a world of her own making in order to cling to her sanity. Dez, her lost love, is a huge part of that perfect world.
When Dez becomes the Earl of Torrington, he discovers Anna is still alive and with her cousin’s help, they free her from Gollingham Asylum. Dez knows the girl he loves still lingers within Anna and is determined to liberate her, as well as other women imprisoned at the madhouse.
Can Dez save the sanity of the woman he loves—or will Anna be lost to him forever?
Find the answer in bestselling author Alexa Aston’s fourth book of Soldiers and Soulmates, To Save a Love.
Each book in Soldiers and Soulmates is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Soldiers and Soulmates
Book #1: To Heal an Earl
Book #2: To Tame a Rogue
Book #3: To Trust a Duke
Book #4: To Save a Love
Book #5: To Win a Widow
Childhood sweethearts Desmond Bretton and Anna Browning defy their powerful fathers and elope to Gretna Green when Anna is told she will marry a viscount old enough to be her grandfather. Caught before they cross the Scottish border, Dez is shipped off to the army, where he learns of Anna’s suicide. Though a dozen years pass, Dez still loves the girl who always held his heart.
Though everyone is told Anna died, her father places his daughter in a madhouse to punish her for her rebellious behavior. Anna retreats inside herself to a world of her own making in order to cling to her sanity. Dez, her lost love, is a huge part of that perfect world.
When Dez becomes the Earl of Torrington, he discovers Anna is still alive and with her cousin’s help, they free her from Gollingham Asylum. Dez knows the girl he loves still lingers within Anna and is determined to liberate her, as well as other women imprisoned at the madhouse.
Can Dez save the sanity of the woman he loves—or will Anna be lost to him forever?
Find the answer in bestselling author Alexa Aston’s fourth book of Soldiers and Soulmates, To Save a Love.
Each book in Soldiers and Soulmates is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Soldiers and Soulmates
Book #1: To Heal an Earl
Book #2: To Tame a Rogue
Book #3: To Trust a Duke
Book #4: To Save a Love
Book #5: To Win a Widow
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2020
302 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Aston
146 books480 followersAward-winning and USA Today bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family.
Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.
Stay in touch with Alexa at:
Website: https://alexaaston.com/
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaa...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaAston
BookBub Follow: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alexa...
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/alexaaston
BingeBooks Author Page: https://bingebooks.com/profile/AlexaA...
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.
Stay in touch with Alexa at:
Website: https://alexaaston.com/
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaa...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaAston
BookBub Follow: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alexa...
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/alexaaston
BingeBooks Author Page: https://bingebooks.com/profile/AlexaA...
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 18, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
If you want a book that at the end you feel like you’ve been there with the characters the whole way through, that you’ve experienced their happiness and woes, that your heart has beat in time with theirs in the love scenes.
Then you’ve picked the right book.
Alexa Aston always makes me feel this way.
Dez and Anna’s book is a heartbreaking, beautiful tragedy. It’s wonderful to read and enjoyable even in the traumatic parts, especially when you realise this is probably what really happened in 1800’s.
This series of books is quite realistic in its telling or at least I found it so , she pulls no punches in her descriptions, that to me is good , I like to loose myself in the storyline and realism makes that so much easier.
The book is brilliant and addictive reading and it’s one I recommend.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
If you want a book that at the end you feel like you’ve been there with the characters the whole way through, that you’ve experienced their happiness and woes, that your heart has beat in time with theirs in the love scenes.
Then you’ve picked the right book.
Alexa Aston always makes me feel this way.
Dez and Anna’s book is a heartbreaking, beautiful tragedy. It’s wonderful to read and enjoyable even in the traumatic parts, especially when you realise this is probably what really happened in 1800’s.
This series of books is quite realistic in its telling or at least I found it so , she pulls no punches in her descriptions, that to me is good , I like to loose myself in the storyline and realism makes that so much easier.
The book is brilliant and addictive reading and it’s one I recommend.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
November 24, 2020
4 high ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“It is by standing up for the rights of girls and women that we truly measure up as men.” ~ Desmond Tutu
A gripping historical romance that lead me through the horrific consequences of a daughter that disobeys her father.
It broke my heart and scared me. It is unbelievable what females suffered. Women had absolutely no choice in their future. None! Whew... thank you 20th century.
This was good. I loved:
*the romance.
*Dez.
*the HEA.
I would definitely read alone book by this author and recommend to historical romance lovers. FYI. This was not a clean romance.
Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for ARC in exchange for my honest review.
“It is by standing up for the rights of girls and women that we truly measure up as men.” ~ Desmond Tutu
A gripping historical romance that lead me through the horrific consequences of a daughter that disobeys her father.
It broke my heart and scared me. It is unbelievable what females suffered. Women had absolutely no choice in their future. None! Whew... thank you 20th century.
This was good. I loved:
*the romance.
*Dez.
*the HEA.
I would definitely read alone book by this author and recommend to historical romance lovers. FYI. This was not a clean romance.
Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 7, 2020
To Save a Love
Soldiers and Soulmates Series #4
Alexa Aston
https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaa...
Release date 06/18/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
Blurb :
Both wronged by their fathers . . . two damaged souls longing for love and salvation . . .
Childhood sweethearts Desmond Bretton and Anna Browning defy their powerful fathers and elope to Gretna Green when Anna is told she will marry a viscount old enough to be her grandfather. Caught before they cross the Scottish border, Dez is shipped off to the army, where he learns of Anna’s suicide. Though a dozen years pass, Dez still loves the girl who always held his heart.
Though everyone is told Anna died, her father places his daughter in a madhouse to punish her for her rebellious behavior. Anna retreats inside herself to a world of her own making in order to cling to her sanity. Dez, her lost love, is a huge part of that perfect world.
When Dez becomes the Earl of Torrington, he discovers Anna is still alive and with her cousin’s help, they free her from Gollingham Asylum. Dez knows the girl he loves still lingers within Anna and is determined to liberate her, as well as other women imprisoned at the madhouse.
Can Dez save the sanity of the woman he loves—or will Anna be lost to him forever?
My review :
When he comes to rescue her, will his love be enough to heal her soul ...
Oh my!
The first part was so heartbreaking, and it angered me so much. How people could have been allowed to treat others this way. So many monsters were rooming this place at this time, even if I know there are still plenty now.
Desmond has had not an easy life, yet he was free of his moves, if not of his career. He made friends and while he witnessed horrors, he was still able to think for himself and choose his path.
What Anna faced for twelve years is just unthinkable, the ugliness of the place and the vileness of the supposed caretakers left me with the feelings of thousand of cockroaches crawling my skin. How she survived for so long, shows in itself her resilience and strength.
No one can come out from such abuses unscathed, yet she emerges from the limbos where she retreated and he has every right to hold her head high.
Anna and Dez tale is one of hurt and pain as their fates were put in the hands of vicious beings. But their love is so pure that nor time, nor distance erased it, it was the fuel in Anna’s mind, her love kept her from spiraling down.
And while the evils behind their predicaments and lost years will never be punished, the fact they are given a second chance is itself a kind of revenge, a nose-thumbing to the adversity they faced.
Yet this book is more than a romance, it is also a plea to the treatment of women over time, how they were often seen as less than nothing and easily discarded with no one to really fight to their wellbeing.
Mrs Alexa Aston paints a moving love story and an advocacy to the women’s rights, with Anna as a voice to all the abused and belittled and Dez as her hands as he helps her to stand up again.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Soldiers and Soulmates Series #4
Alexa Aston
https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaa...
Release date 06/18/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
Blurb :
Both wronged by their fathers . . . two damaged souls longing for love and salvation . . .
Childhood sweethearts Desmond Bretton and Anna Browning defy their powerful fathers and elope to Gretna Green when Anna is told she will marry a viscount old enough to be her grandfather. Caught before they cross the Scottish border, Dez is shipped off to the army, where he learns of Anna’s suicide. Though a dozen years pass, Dez still loves the girl who always held his heart.
Though everyone is told Anna died, her father places his daughter in a madhouse to punish her for her rebellious behavior. Anna retreats inside herself to a world of her own making in order to cling to her sanity. Dez, her lost love, is a huge part of that perfect world.
When Dez becomes the Earl of Torrington, he discovers Anna is still alive and with her cousin’s help, they free her from Gollingham Asylum. Dez knows the girl he loves still lingers within Anna and is determined to liberate her, as well as other women imprisoned at the madhouse.
Can Dez save the sanity of the woman he loves—or will Anna be lost to him forever?
My review :
When he comes to rescue her, will his love be enough to heal her soul ...
Oh my!
The first part was so heartbreaking, and it angered me so much. How people could have been allowed to treat others this way. So many monsters were rooming this place at this time, even if I know there are still plenty now.
Desmond has had not an easy life, yet he was free of his moves, if not of his career. He made friends and while he witnessed horrors, he was still able to think for himself and choose his path.
What Anna faced for twelve years is just unthinkable, the ugliness of the place and the vileness of the supposed caretakers left me with the feelings of thousand of cockroaches crawling my skin. How she survived for so long, shows in itself her resilience and strength.
No one can come out from such abuses unscathed, yet she emerges from the limbos where she retreated and he has every right to hold her head high.
Anna and Dez tale is one of hurt and pain as their fates were put in the hands of vicious beings. But their love is so pure that nor time, nor distance erased it, it was the fuel in Anna’s mind, her love kept her from spiraling down.
And while the evils behind their predicaments and lost years will never be punished, the fact they are given a second chance is itself a kind of revenge, a nose-thumbing to the adversity they faced.
Yet this book is more than a romance, it is also a plea to the treatment of women over time, how they were often seen as less than nothing and easily discarded with no one to really fight to their wellbeing.
Mrs Alexa Aston paints a moving love story and an advocacy to the women’s rights, with Anna as a voice to all the abused and belittled and Dez as her hands as he helps her to stand up again.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
October 3, 2020
"To Save a Love" is a dark and passionate tale told with haunting and masterfully dramatic detail.
Read full review in the 2020 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 19, 2020
As I read the first chapter, I almost had to stop because I feared what would happen to Anna and knew it would not pleasant. Two friends had grown up together and fallen in love along the way, but Desmond knew that he had to let Anna go because he was just a second son and she deserved so much more. But when he came home from school, her father was trying to marry her off to an old man for money and he could not let that happen.
What follows was almost painful to read. The treatment women were given in an asylum. Anna was put there by her father because she tried to run away and would not marry whom he wanted. "Anna knew she had been left in Hell."
Twelve years later .... Dez returns to England due to inheriting the title since his sibling had perished. He had gotten news of Anna's death years back, from suicide it seemed.
But Anna was alive and the journey began to help her return to herself after years of abuse.
Sadness, despair, true horror and losing herself into her on mind to survive, Anna broke my heart. But Dez was amazing and loved her so much.
Alexa Aston has such a gift with her pen to bring her stories alive to the point of feeling the emotions of the characters and visualizing the surroundings. This was a story of how much the human body and soul can take and survive with the healing power of love. I will not forget this one anytime soon.
What follows was almost painful to read. The treatment women were given in an asylum. Anna was put there by her father because she tried to run away and would not marry whom he wanted. "Anna knew she had been left in Hell."
Twelve years later .... Dez returns to England due to inheriting the title since his sibling had perished. He had gotten news of Anna's death years back, from suicide it seemed.
But Anna was alive and the journey began to help her return to herself after years of abuse.
Sadness, despair, true horror and losing herself into her on mind to survive, Anna broke my heart. But Dez was amazing and loved her so much.
Alexa Aston has such a gift with her pen to bring her stories alive to the point of feeling the emotions of the characters and visualizing the surroundings. This was a story of how much the human body and soul can take and survive with the healing power of love. I will not forget this one anytime soon.
July 5, 2020
The premise of To Save a Love is one I’ve read before - the HR heroine Is forcibly placed in an asylum by a villain, only to be released/rescued after many years. On one occasion previously I found this theme to be fascinating, even if grim. On another I found it Implausible. In my view, To Save a Love falls in the latter camp.
This author’s depiction does have a couple of aspects I liked. I appreciated that the hero is gentle and particularly empathetic in his post-rescue understanding of and approach to supporting the heroine. I admired his determination (and success) in rescuing many of the women also incarcerated in the barbaric asylum.
However, the writing and the dialogue do not match those strengths. Instead, they are flat and lack liveliness/flair/poetry. The story also drags on an on, particularly towards the end, with extraneous detail (visits and so on). The work is also poorly edited - for accurate usage of language of the time, as well as for tense and grammar.
For the most part, however, the story fails for me because I find the heroine to be totally unbelievable. She doesn’t spend twelve weeks In the asylum. She is there for twelve YEARS. During that time she is kept in a place with no light, repeatedly tortured and abused (beaten with a horsewhip, kicked in the ribs, punched unconscious, made wear a Scold’s Bridle and other torture devices, subjected to starvation, lengthy periods in a straitjacket and isolation from others) and every day watches similar treatment being meted out to other gently born women, all of whom are warned that their fate is clear - they will never be released and will die in that place.
When she is carried out of the asylum she is emaciated, covered in bruises and with a head full of lice, delusional and mute - and yet, within days she is smiling, racing a horse over rough terrain, begging the hero to hold her and then make love to her. I don’t think so.
And, as for the final scene with the Matron? Unnecessary. Unbelievable. As unconvincing as the heroine’s rate of recovery.
June 10, 2020
This story has touched me like no others have. My heart is so full of emotions and although I know the story is fiction, unfortunately history has shown that patients in some madhouses were treated abominably and knowing that many of these patients didn't even belong in one, makes it even worse. Alexa Aston has written a story that will break your heart and yet restore it with a love story that surpasses all others.
Des and Anna have loved each other since they were children and always knew they would marry but neither one of them ever expected what was to happen to rip them apart. Twelve years....twelve long and miserable years....Anna has spent in a madhouse, placed there by her father. While she's there, Des is in the army, fighting for his country and mourning the loss of his beloved, having been told she was dead.
When he returns home, it's to find out that she's alive and is devastated to find out what she has been through. Be prepared to need some tissues when you read of the abuse, it's more than heartbreaking. I loved Des' character, what a strong hero he makes and does everything he can to free Anna, not only from that madhouse, but from her nightmares. I also loved Anna's character, no matter how much she was tortured and restrained, she stayed strong and true to herself.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Des and Anna have loved each other since they were children and always knew they would marry but neither one of them ever expected what was to happen to rip them apart. Twelve years....twelve long and miserable years....Anna has spent in a madhouse, placed there by her father. While she's there, Des is in the army, fighting for his country and mourning the loss of his beloved, having been told she was dead.
When he returns home, it's to find out that she's alive and is devastated to find out what she has been through. Be prepared to need some tissues when you read of the abuse, it's more than heartbreaking. I loved Des' character, what a strong hero he makes and does everything he can to free Anna, not only from that madhouse, but from her nightmares. I also loved Anna's character, no matter how much she was tortured and restrained, she stayed strong and true to herself.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 20, 2020
Love this series
It was well written and the characters are realistic. It was a hard book to put down! I cant wait to read the next book in this series!
It was well written and the characters are realistic. It was a hard book to put down! I cant wait to read the next book in this series!
June 21, 2020
This book is definitely a tearjerker.. The thing I love about this book is that Alexa brought up a bit of in-depth look at the madhouse (asylums) and what they did to women in those days.. Not many authors are willing to do.. She not only did that but she brought out the fact that if they escaped they had suffered so much trauma they often times didn't recover.
The other part I love was that Alexa had Anna and Dez along with the other characters expose what was going on in the asylum to others so much so that it got the one shutdown
And last but not least the fact that she had Dez being ever so patient loving with Anna when she needed it the most.. Anna needed him as much as he needed her..
The other part I love was that Alexa had Anna and Dez along with the other characters expose what was going on in the asylum to others so much so that it got the one shutdown
And last but not least the fact that she had Dez being ever so patient loving with Anna when she needed it the most.. Anna needed him as much as he needed her..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2020
Beautiful
What a beautiful story. This one pulled on my heartstrings from the first page. It’s a beautiful story of how love endures, even when faced with separation and hardships. Two young people in love and two fathers fight to keep them apart and under their thumbs. But where there is love there is away. Worth the read
What a beautiful story. This one pulled on my heartstrings from the first page. It’s a beautiful story of how love endures, even when faced with separation and hardships. Two young people in love and two fathers fight to keep them apart and under their thumbs. But where there is love there is away. Worth the read
June 12, 2020
Thanks goes to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of To Save a Love by Alexa Aston for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced them.
To Save a Love is a well-written Regency historical romance with compelling characters and a plot that will pull at your heartstrings. The pacing is excellent keeping me enmeshed from the first page to the last. Ms. Aston’s writing is emotional and brought me to tears.
Anna Browning’s character is amazing! Her experiences are heart wrenching and brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions. Her indominable strength comes through in her ability to overcome her horrific adversities. Her love for the hero is unshakable and will not be denied.
Dez, the Earl of Torrington, is a fantastic hero. He is unwilling to accept defeat, whether on the battlefield or with his lady love. His patience with Anna is admirable and undaunting. His determination to dig deep to help Anna touched my soul.
The romance between Anna and Dez is sweet and based on their young love for each other at eighteen. While apart for almost twelve years, they each still possess an abundance of love for each other. The passion between them is poignant and long overdue.
If you enjoy Regency romance with deep emotions and a love that will not die, then you will love To Save a Love as much as I. The ending is so fulfilling and had me cheering. I’m so glad I have reacquainted myself with Ms. Aston’s writing. I highly recommend this book, along with her others. I look forward to reading her next novel. Happy reading!
To Save a Love is a well-written Regency historical romance with compelling characters and a plot that will pull at your heartstrings. The pacing is excellent keeping me enmeshed from the first page to the last. Ms. Aston’s writing is emotional and brought me to tears.
Anna Browning’s character is amazing! Her experiences are heart wrenching and brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions. Her indominable strength comes through in her ability to overcome her horrific adversities. Her love for the hero is unshakable and will not be denied.
Dez, the Earl of Torrington, is a fantastic hero. He is unwilling to accept defeat, whether on the battlefield or with his lady love. His patience with Anna is admirable and undaunting. His determination to dig deep to help Anna touched my soul.
The romance between Anna and Dez is sweet and based on their young love for each other at eighteen. While apart for almost twelve years, they each still possess an abundance of love for each other. The passion between them is poignant and long overdue.
If you enjoy Regency romance with deep emotions and a love that will not die, then you will love To Save a Love as much as I. The ending is so fulfilling and had me cheering. I’m so glad I have reacquainted myself with Ms. Aston’s writing. I highly recommend this book, along with her others. I look forward to reading her next novel. Happy reading!
April 30, 2022
Another great read.
Really loving this series!!!
Really loving this series!!!
June 5, 2020
When Anna Browning is caught trying to elope she can't imagine the punishment she will get. Her father is not one to be disobeyed.
After his twelve years in the army at war Desmond Bretton comes home to a very different home. His strict father who sent him away is dead along with his elder brother, so that makes him the new Earl of Torrington.
A neighbour who also recently came in to his title brings news that will turn his world upside down and gives him hope.
This is a very emotional story, more so when you realize that these things really happened. The power men had over the women was truely terrible.
Our poor heroine literally goes through Hell. Can she possibly recover fully??
Our hero is not about to let anyone suffer if he can stop it.
The characters are strong and incredibly brave. You will need the tissues and be prepared to read about the things that happened to the poor women in the asylum.
This is part of a series where each book can be read separately.
Very emotional story.
After his twelve years in the army at war Desmond Bretton comes home to a very different home. His strict father who sent him away is dead along with his elder brother, so that makes him the new Earl of Torrington.
A neighbour who also recently came in to his title brings news that will turn his world upside down and gives him hope.
This is a very emotional story, more so when you realize that these things really happened. The power men had over the women was truely terrible.
Our poor heroine literally goes through Hell. Can she possibly recover fully??
Our hero is not about to let anyone suffer if he can stop it.
The characters are strong and incredibly brave. You will need the tissues and be prepared to read about the things that happened to the poor women in the asylum.
This is part of a series where each book can be read separately.
Very emotional story.
August 2, 2020
Engaging and shocking
For many Anna’s story will be shocking. However, the truth is that what happened to her was not unusual. Sadly, women were very vulnerable to mistreatment more often than not. Even today there are still societies in which women are subjected to mistreatment and cruelty. It remains shocking. The author told Anna’s story with amazing restraint however realistically. Well into the 1900s similar “treatments” continued. The author is to be commended for such a well written and gripping story about two heroic characters.
For many Anna’s story will be shocking. However, the truth is that what happened to her was not unusual. Sadly, women were very vulnerable to mistreatment more often than not. Even today there are still societies in which women are subjected to mistreatment and cruelty. It remains shocking. The author told Anna’s story with amazing restraint however realistically. Well into the 1900s similar “treatments” continued. The author is to be commended for such a well written and gripping story about two heroic characters.
August 5, 2020
Beautiful story! It was well written and so heartwarming. The characters were charming and easy to love. It had an interesting plot and grabbed my attention from the beginning.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 29, 2020
4.5 I loved Anna and Dez's story!!!
July 21, 2020
Enjoyable, even though reading about the asylum was difficult at times.
July 17, 2020
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
June 27, 2020
Love Conquers All
Excellent story! I love this series because all the characters are really interesting. Desmond and Anna's love was sweet. The tragic turn when she was sent to the Asylum was heartbreaking. Women were really treated like property instead of human beings. I was very pleased with the reporter writing to expose this evil. Gratefully that led to the place being shut down. How did these women manage to escape being raped? Anna and Alice were still virgins when they were rescued. I'm glad but, under the circumstances that was unusual. But, I still loved the story and look forward to reading the follow up to Dalinda's story.
Excellent story! I love this series because all the characters are really interesting. Desmond and Anna's love was sweet. The tragic turn when she was sent to the Asylum was heartbreaking. Women were really treated like property instead of human beings. I was very pleased with the reporter writing to expose this evil. Gratefully that led to the place being shut down. How did these women manage to escape being raped? Anna and Alice were still virgins when they were rescued. I'm glad but, under the circumstances that was unusual. But, I still loved the story and look forward to reading the follow up to Dalinda's story.
July 1, 2020
Just to mention
Very interesting story!
Reading these stories examplifies life and the very real situations that women endured during those periods. I can literally escape in these books.
I would also like to mention the spelling and grammar errors that were missed in editing.
Very interesting story!
Reading these stories examplifies life and the very real situations that women endured during those periods. I can literally escape in these books.
I would also like to mention the spelling and grammar errors that were missed in editing.
June 17, 2020
A tragic love story of love lost but fortunately found once more, this novel touches one at a deep level as Desmond and Anna struggle to find the path to healing of their wounded souls. Childhood sweethearts are separated by their cruel and autocratic fathers and whilst Dez is grateful for his time and the camaraderie he has found in the military, Anna is not so fortunate. Upon inheriting the title of Earl of Torrington, Dez discovers that Anna has not died as reported by her late father, but has been hidden away in a lunatic asylum, where the conditions are both brutal and appalling. Together with Anna's cousin, Dez finds a way to have Anna released, but that is just the beginning of the battle. Breaking through the mental fortress that Anna has built up within her mind takes time and understanding, but bit by bit he wins Anna's trust. It is a sad commentary on the era that women could be treated so badly and declared insane without the necessary steps being taken to prove the validity of the diagnosis. However, the story does come to a happy conclusion, and justice is served. The plot is well written, emotional, and heart-rending and I found myself wiping my eyes more than once. I received a copy of this novel as a gift from NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
June 18, 2020
This is not your sweet romance novel. But, I urge you to purchase this heart wrenching story because in the end, it will warm you to your toes. Talk about HEA - this has it in spades for many people!
I wish I knew if what went on in the Asylum was fictional or based on some truth. I am such a sucker for stories where they know they love each other as children and it grows when adults. The H/h had such awful father's and punished their children because they choose their own paths. They are separated for 12 years and what the h goes through is so emotional. The love and caring the H has for her is amazing. He is so patient and knows exactly what she needs, if she doesn't.
Many villains in this story to be sure, but also love and patience will shine through in many good people too. The last villain I wanted to know what the punishment was (no spoiler's).
We have lovemaking, outside of marriage - heat level 2.5 out of 5 if that.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance, a tad of spice and a beautiful epilogue! I own 25 stories by this author and I recommend her and this story. (ljb)
I wish I knew if what went on in the Asylum was fictional or based on some truth. I am such a sucker for stories where they know they love each other as children and it grows when adults. The H/h had such awful father's and punished their children because they choose their own paths. They are separated for 12 years and what the h goes through is so emotional. The love and caring the H has for her is amazing. He is so patient and knows exactly what she needs, if she doesn't.
Many villains in this story to be sure, but also love and patience will shine through in many good people too. The last villain I wanted to know what the punishment was (no spoiler's).
We have lovemaking, outside of marriage - heat level 2.5 out of 5 if that.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance, a tad of spice and a beautiful epilogue! I own 25 stories by this author and I recommend her and this story. (ljb)
June 19, 2020
Desmond Bretton and Anna Browning has always loved her, he plans to marry her one day. Anna’s father has plans to marries her to an ancient man a viscount old enough to be her grandfather who wants young bride to produce heirs. They make a made dash and run away to Gretna Green to marry. Their patents find them and punish them. Desmond is sent to the army and Anna is presumed dead. Many years later Desmond is the new Earl and Anna’s father has died and her family discovers her cruel father sent her to a madhouse to be committed as insane twelve years ago. I love the enchanting book a we see her rescued and Desmond’s love for her is quite powerful and emotional. I love how he set out to help other women. Anna doesn’t feel worthy and breaks your heart to see them apart after so many years. Desmond knows his heart and now he must convince her to take a chance on their love, to have a home and family they have been denied for so many years. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
June 20, 2020
Madness is not the end
Anna was mad and useless at least this what she was told daily while being brutalized! Surviving horrible things our mind retreats to a place in order for our bodies to deal with pain being inflicted on it! Dez has loved Anna he whole life believing she died he felt like a part of him died too! Efforts were made to try to normalize Anna environment as much as possible! Dez and Anna knowing the horrendous smell and deprivation of the Gollingwood Asylum they worked to free more women unjustly imprisoned in this hell hole! Everyone is not happy about their fight! There are maniacal forces or person at work to steal their HEA! Can they unite against evil one more time?
Anna was mad and useless at least this what she was told daily while being brutalized! Surviving horrible things our mind retreats to a place in order for our bodies to deal with pain being inflicted on it! Dez has loved Anna he whole life believing she died he felt like a part of him died too! Efforts were made to try to normalize Anna environment as much as possible! Dez and Anna knowing the horrendous smell and deprivation of the Gollingwood Asylum they worked to free more women unjustly imprisoned in this hell hole! Everyone is not happy about their fight! There are maniacal forces or person at work to steal their HEA! Can they unite against evil one more time?
June 19, 2020
Forever My Love
You are hooked and crying the first chapter of Anna & Dez’s love story. They never made Gretna Green and for punishment Anna was dragged to an insane asylum and Dez was hauled off to war. After 12 years two lost souls were deeply scarred. Anna with the tormented life she had lived in an asylum and Dez struggling with horrors of war, but love would heal and bring them together. Two damaged souls together and forever in love!
You are hooked and crying the first chapter of Anna & Dez’s love story. They never made Gretna Green and for punishment Anna was dragged to an insane asylum and Dez was hauled off to war. After 12 years two lost souls were deeply scarred. Anna with the tormented life she had lived in an asylum and Dez struggling with horrors of war, but love would heal and bring them together. Two damaged souls together and forever in love!
April 15, 2021
A romance at the mercy of joy & despair in their equal extremes!
A beautifully moving story about the true power of love between two so young, torn so maliciously apart and reunited under such harrowing circumstances, I couldn't help but become emotionally connected to the pair.
Aston brings to life and sheds such potent light on the harrowing consequences of the action of two fathers, so inflated with conceited arrogance, who so cruelly wronged their children after their foiled elopement.
Anna and Dez's romance expresses the intense power of first love as it blossoms from the bloom of innocent childhood friendship and builds through selfless trust into a balm that is deemed so potent it has the soothing ability to heal, burrow deeply, set root, be all inspiring and scream with a keen devotion and vital need that forever sets the pair on a path of no return.
Throughout the bitter sweetness of their romance there is a thick thread that weaves and highlights how women in society, helpless at the mercy of men, can so easily be exploited and perceived as somehow less. This harsh theme resoundingly echoes long after each gut wrenching moment Anna was forced to suffer in the madhouse and in the despair created by the lies so cruelly fed to Dez. Such cruel unfairness and inequality through lack of status and the disregard women where shown at the time, only being seen as a commodity, made it so easy for them to be brushed aside by the few callous and greedy persons that so heartwretchingly (and sadly lawfully) found the means to exploit and use them for their own gain, really resonated throughout this tale and keep me eagerly reading. Therefore, the sheer strength and endurance of Anna through such adversity, sorrow and the heartbreaking torment she was subjected to, only made the moments of pure joy, wit, gentleness, compassion, patience and gritted determination, displayed by Dez, all the more moving and striking.
Overall creating a well crafted book which perfectly blends and captures the two extremes of humanity: the horrific and cruel with the sweetly tender and all consuming intensity and purity of true abiding love.
I read each chapter so attuned to the fate of Anna and Dez, (and all the women in the asylum), absorbing the details that were at times so hard to hear but so vivid in description it had me seething with angst and sighing at the tender intimacy. As a result, I would of given anything for the pair's journey to emerge a happy one as tears ran down my cheeks, watery smiles tentatively emerged, joy bubbled to escape and hard to contain awe, admiration and love, uncontrollably built to keep me so immersed every step of the way.
A truly wonderful, provoking and compelling addition to the series that doesn't shy away from reflecting the harsher realities of life whilst still managing to interweave a subtle wit and uplifting warmth at the same time. A story and series I wholeheartedly urge you to read.
[On an aside, I'm really hoping and plugging for Alice to get her dream ending too - I hope this isn't the last we hear from her]
A beautifully moving story about the true power of love between two so young, torn so maliciously apart and reunited under such harrowing circumstances, I couldn't help but become emotionally connected to the pair.
Aston brings to life and sheds such potent light on the harrowing consequences of the action of two fathers, so inflated with conceited arrogance, who so cruelly wronged their children after their foiled elopement.
Anna and Dez's romance expresses the intense power of first love as it blossoms from the bloom of innocent childhood friendship and builds through selfless trust into a balm that is deemed so potent it has the soothing ability to heal, burrow deeply, set root, be all inspiring and scream with a keen devotion and vital need that forever sets the pair on a path of no return.
Throughout the bitter sweetness of their romance there is a thick thread that weaves and highlights how women in society, helpless at the mercy of men, can so easily be exploited and perceived as somehow less. This harsh theme resoundingly echoes long after each gut wrenching moment Anna was forced to suffer in the madhouse and in the despair created by the lies so cruelly fed to Dez. Such cruel unfairness and inequality through lack of status and the disregard women where shown at the time, only being seen as a commodity, made it so easy for them to be brushed aside by the few callous and greedy persons that so heartwretchingly (and sadly lawfully) found the means to exploit and use them for their own gain, really resonated throughout this tale and keep me eagerly reading. Therefore, the sheer strength and endurance of Anna through such adversity, sorrow and the heartbreaking torment she was subjected to, only made the moments of pure joy, wit, gentleness, compassion, patience and gritted determination, displayed by Dez, all the more moving and striking.
Overall creating a well crafted book which perfectly blends and captures the two extremes of humanity: the horrific and cruel with the sweetly tender and all consuming intensity and purity of true abiding love.
I read each chapter so attuned to the fate of Anna and Dez, (and all the women in the asylum), absorbing the details that were at times so hard to hear but so vivid in description it had me seething with angst and sighing at the tender intimacy. As a result, I would of given anything for the pair's journey to emerge a happy one as tears ran down my cheeks, watery smiles tentatively emerged, joy bubbled to escape and hard to contain awe, admiration and love, uncontrollably built to keep me so immersed every step of the way.
A truly wonderful, provoking and compelling addition to the series that doesn't shy away from reflecting the harsher realities of life whilst still managing to interweave a subtle wit and uplifting warmth at the same time. A story and series I wholeheartedly urge you to read.
[On an aside, I'm really hoping and plugging for Alice to get her dream ending too - I hope this isn't the last we hear from her]
June 18, 2020
To Save A Love by Alexa Aston is the fourth book in the Soldiers and Soulmates series. Desmond Bretton had been in love with Anne Browning since they were children. He arrives home from his final year at Eton to discover that her father intends to betroth her to a man four times her age and as she and his twin sister, Dalinda, conspire to keep this from happening, Des comes upon the perfect solution: he will marry her himself. They conspire to run to Scotland to marry and as they are on their journey, they are caught by both of their fathers. Des' father immediately purchases him a commission in the army and he was off. After several days of being held in her room, Anna's mother comes to speak with her before she is wrestled away. He father puts about that she filled her pockets with rocks and walked into the lake, but the reality it that he had her committed to an insane asylum. Twelve years later, Des is home. His father and brother have both perished and he has assumed the title. Dalinda is married and has two sons and a dying husband. Anna is dead. Or so he believes. Through a series of lucky discoveries, Des determines the truth of Anna's situation and endeavors to rescue her.
This is an amazing plot...and one that is all to true for the time. Fathers and husbands had total control over the females in their care and committing an errant female to a life of incarceration happened regularly. And it was not a pretty life. Anna's twelve years were hell but many women were there longer and had weaker minds than Anna had. It took mere days of gentle kindness on the part of Des to bring her back to her reality. The descriptions of her time in the asylum were horrifying. So interesting. That a father would do this to his daughter... This was a wonderful book, so full of injustice, but so full of people willing to fight it. It was extremely descriptive and well worth reading. I highly recommend it. Good plot, good characters.
I received a free ARC of To Save A Love from Dragonblade, through Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #tosavealove
This is an amazing plot...and one that is all to true for the time. Fathers and husbands had total control over the females in their care and committing an errant female to a life of incarceration happened regularly. And it was not a pretty life. Anna's twelve years were hell but many women were there longer and had weaker minds than Anna had. It took mere days of gentle kindness on the part of Des to bring her back to her reality. The descriptions of her time in the asylum were horrifying. So interesting. That a father would do this to his daughter... This was a wonderful book, so full of injustice, but so full of people willing to fight it. It was extremely descriptive and well worth reading. I highly recommend it. Good plot, good characters.
I received a free ARC of To Save A Love from Dragonblade, through Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #tosavealove
August 8, 2020
A failed underage elopement leads to tragic circumstances for Dez and Anna manipulated by their powerful titled fathers. Dez spent the next twelve years in the military, battling Napoleon, elevating rank to major, and carrying love in his heart for Anna, even knowing that she was lost to him forever through suicidal death. However, in reality, Anna spent those years committed by her father to an insane asylum two days' journey from her home. When Dez suddenly becomes heir to his family estates and title, he and Anna's cousin discover that Anna is alive in a madhouse where she has learned to escape the conditions and treatments by withdrawal into a world her mind creates. But once freed can Anna be restored to reality and normal functioning mind? And what will happen to the other sane women trapped at the asylum?
The author does a very powerful presentation of private mental institutions in the nineteenth century. This story successfully highlights the realities of women being committed by the men legally responsible for them for disobedience, strong or unpopular opinions, behaving in ways the male-dominated society did not agree with, or for financial gain to the man. Major reforms for mental health facilities and treatments, as well as women's rights, progressed slowly into the twentieth century and required a great deal of effort. Thanks to Alexa Aston for giving a glimpse of the money, investigation, and power necessary to free sane women committed to these asylums.
A very well written theme in this story seems to be the healing power of devoted, unconditional, sacrificial love. Dez, Anna, and secondary characters such as Dez's sister Dalinda and Lord Morton, father of a lady committed by her husband, give this kind of love to the persons they hold in their hearts. For those who need to know, this story contains some sexual intimacy, but not disgustingly
or perversely explicit which even I find objectionable.
Thank you Alexa Aston for an enlightening and heart-engaging read!
The author does a very powerful presentation of private mental institutions in the nineteenth century. This story successfully highlights the realities of women being committed by the men legally responsible for them for disobedience, strong or unpopular opinions, behaving in ways the male-dominated society did not agree with, or for financial gain to the man. Major reforms for mental health facilities and treatments, as well as women's rights, progressed slowly into the twentieth century and required a great deal of effort. Thanks to Alexa Aston for giving a glimpse of the money, investigation, and power necessary to free sane women committed to these asylums.
A very well written theme in this story seems to be the healing power of devoted, unconditional, sacrificial love. Dez, Anna, and secondary characters such as Dez's sister Dalinda and Lord Morton, father of a lady committed by her husband, give this kind of love to the persons they hold in their hearts. For those who need to know, this story contains some sexual intimacy, but not disgustingly
or perversely explicit which even I find objectionable.
Thank you Alexa Aston for an enlightening and heart-engaging read!
August 24, 2020
I COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!
If I could, I would give Alexa Aston 10 stars for this review! From the very beginning, I was hooked on this wonderful different love story turned tragedy turned love HEA! Our hero Dez Bretton, along with his twin sister Dalinda ,is the mostly ignored spare son of the cruel Earl or Torrington. The twins grew up playing with neighbor Miss Anna Browning. Dez has always loved Anna and vice versa but they know their fathers will never consent to them marrying. During the girls first few weeks as a debutante, Dez comes home from Eton and discovers a devastated Anna... Her hateful father is marrying her off to an elderly man. Dez tries to save his true love but they end up separated for 12 long years before Dez finds out he's suddenly the Earl and discovers that he may have a chance with Anna after all... But first he has to find, rescue and bring her back to life. This was the best book I have read in a very long time. There's excitement and plot twists and a delightful HEA! I recommend you go get a copy of this book right now! Thank you Alexa!
If I could, I would give Alexa Aston 10 stars for this review! From the very beginning, I was hooked on this wonderful different love story turned tragedy turned love HEA! Our hero Dez Bretton, along with his twin sister Dalinda ,is the mostly ignored spare son of the cruel Earl or Torrington. The twins grew up playing with neighbor Miss Anna Browning. Dez has always loved Anna and vice versa but they know their fathers will never consent to them marrying. During the girls first few weeks as a debutante, Dez comes home from Eton and discovers a devastated Anna... Her hateful father is marrying her off to an elderly man. Dez tries to save his true love but they end up separated for 12 long years before Dez finds out he's suddenly the Earl and discovers that he may have a chance with Anna after all... But first he has to find, rescue and bring her back to life. This was the best book I have read in a very long time. There's excitement and plot twists and a delightful HEA! I recommend you go get a copy of this book right now! Thank you Alexa!
April 25, 2022
Defying their fathers' wishes
When Anna learns her father has decided to withhold her dowry because of her popularity and instead intends to offer her to the highest bidder,, an elderly lord old enough to be her grandfather, she must escape. When her next door neighbor and best friend, Des, finds her in tears, they decide to run away to Scotland to marry.
The foot man who had helped them is threatened with dismissal
If he fails to confess his knowledge of the plan and the young couple's race is foiled. The resulting punishment is so harsh it seems beyond imagination. But no-one knows there is a problem except those under the control of their lordships.
A spell bouncing tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
When Anna learns her father has decided to withhold her dowry because of her popularity and instead intends to offer her to the highest bidder,, an elderly lord old enough to be her grandfather, she must escape. When her next door neighbor and best friend, Des, finds her in tears, they decide to run away to Scotland to marry.
The foot man who had helped them is threatened with dismissal
If he fails to confess his knowledge of the plan and the young couple's race is foiled. The resulting punishment is so harsh it seems beyond imagination. But no-one knows there is a problem except those under the control of their lordships.
A spell bouncing tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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